Officials and students gathered at Tashua Elementary School in Trumbull Tuesday to celebrate the recipient of Connecticut's 2025 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year.

Keysha Evans was a full-time paraeducator at Tashua Elementary School and now works as a paraeducator at Samuel Staples Elementary School in Easton.

"Paraeducators play a crucial role in the lives of our students, offering unwavering support that is essential to their growth and success," said Gov. Ned Lamont. "Keysha Evans's recognition as Connecticut's 2025 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year is a well-earned honor. Her relentless dedication and significant contributions to the students of Trumbull and Easton serve as a true inspiration."

Evans was surprised by the honor.

"I don't think I see anything that I do is spectacular, but I know that I represent an amazing group of other paraeducators in this school, so I came here today…for all the other paraeducators that…these students in the classroom," she said.

The award is named after Anne Marie Murphy, a paraeducator who was killed in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Keysha Evans will be recognized again at the Connecticut Teacher of the Year ceremony.